Pittsburgh Restaurant Ordered To Close

Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 5:59 GMT by Patch
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Pittsburgh Restaurant Ordered to Close: Health Violations Spark City‑Wide Response

By Pat McCarthy – Patch.com – September 5, 2025

A longtime Pittsburgh dining staple has been forced to shut its doors following a sweeping health inspection that uncovered a litany of violations. The city’s Department of Health and Community Services (DHCS) issued a “temporary closure” order on September 1, citing “imminent danger to public health” and the failure of the establishment to correct previously reported infractions.

The restaurant in question—River & Stone Café, a 17‑year‑old neighborhood favorite located at 2145 Penn Avenue—has been a beloved venue for everything from intimate dinner parties to casual weekend brunches. According to the café’s own website, it prides itself on locally‑sourced ingredients and a cozy, rustic décor that has earned it several local “best of” accolades. However, the recent inspection painted a different picture.

What the Inspection Revealed

The DHCS inspection, conducted by health inspector John Morales, revealed more than 30 violations across a range of categories. Key findings included:

Food Storage Violations
- Raw poultry was stored above ready‑to‑eat salads, violating the “no cross‑contamination” rule.
- Perishable items were kept in a non‑temperature‑controlled area that recorded temperatures as high as 95 °F.
Pest Activity
- A cluster of cockroaches was found in the back‑of‑house kitchen, with evidence of nesting in the ventilation ducts.
Inadequate Personal Hygiene
- Several staff members were observed eating in the food prep area.
- Hand‑washing stations were missing soap and were not stocked with disposable towels.
Unsealed and Improperly Stored Food
- Raw fish was stored in open containers, exposing it to airborne contaminants.
- The pastry station lacked proper cover, allowing for contamination by pests.
Failure to Address Prior Violations
- In a 2024 inspection, the café was cited for “failure to correct temperature‑control violations” and was given a 90‑day period to remedy the issues. No documented corrective action was submitted.

According to DHCS policy, a temporary closure is mandatory when any violation is deemed “imminent danger to public health.” The city’s health code handbook lists the above infractions as “Level I” violations, which trigger an immediate closure and require a new inspection before the business can reopen.

Owner’s Response

Owner and executive chef, Maria Ruiz, issued a statement through the café’s social media pages expressing disappointment but also a commitment to rectify the issues. “We are proud of the community we serve and are saddened by this outcome. We are working closely with the city to ensure that every food safety standard is met, and we look forward to reopening once we have achieved full compliance,” Ruiz said.

The statement also highlighted that the café had been in operation for 17 years and had no previous serious health code infractions. “Our staff is trained in the highest standards of food safety, and we have always been proud of our reputation. This is a setback, but we will learn from this experience and come back stronger,” Ruiz added.

Community Reaction

The temporary closure has sparked a wave of comments from regular patrons and local food critics alike. A 48‑year‑old longtime customer, “Pat,” commented, “It’s sad to see the place shut down, but I trust the city’s health department will do what’s right. I hope the café can get back on its feet soon.” Food blogger and longtime reviewer for Pittsburgh’s The Daily Dish, The Foodie Gazette, posted a detailed review on her blog, acknowledging the café’s positive impact on the local culinary scene while noting the seriousness of the violations.

In response, the city’s health department announced that it will conduct a follow‑up inspection in 30 days, contingent on the café submitting a comprehensive corrective action plan. The DHCS’s official statement said that the temporary closure is not a punitive measure but a public‑health safeguard.

What’s Next for River & Stone Café?

The city’s DHCS has provided a list of corrective steps that the café must complete before the next inspection:

Install temperature‑controlled storage units and conduct regular temperature logs.
Eliminate all pest activity through a certified pest‑control service.
Re‑train all staff on food safety protocols and document training sessions.
Replace all food‑storage containers with properly labeled, sealed units.
Provide evidence of a corrective action plan addressing all Level I violations.

Once the café demonstrates compliance, the DHCS will schedule a re‑inspection. If all violations are corrected, the temporary closure will be lifted, and the café will be allowed to reopen to the public.

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